Mel Kiper has the Raiders grabbing a tackle at No. 14 overall
Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Oakland Raiders ought to beef protection for franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
So, the famous draftnik has slotted an even beefier tackle prospect to the team at No. 14 overall in his first mock draft: Michigan State's Jack Conklin.
Those words might prove prophetic come draft season. The Silver and Black could lose 32-year-old starting left tackle Donald Penn to free agency this spring. Conklin provides an option for the future.
The 6-foot-6, 326-pound ex-Spartan went from walk-on to top pro prospect in four seasons in East Lansing, Mich. He'd immediately add a run-blocking element to Oakland's line.